Barton Creek Cave Canoeing Tour with Big Rock Falls

Canoe a sacred cave, swim a mountain waterfall, eat local lunch: all in one unhurried day

A full-day tour from San Ignacio combining a canoe paddle through Barton Creek Cave (an ancient Maya ceremonial site) and an afternoon swim at Big Rock Falls, a 150-foot waterfall in the pine forest. Includes hotel pickup within 10km of town, a local lunch, park entry, professional guide, and all equipment. You spend seven hours on the water and in the forest with minimal physical strain.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your San Ignacio hotel at 8:30 AM and a drive to Barton Creek Cave, where you board a canoe and float into a massive river cavern. The paddle is effortless, you glide rather than paddle hard, and the guide points out artifact shards and burial sites from the Early to Late Classic Maya periods (200–900 AD) embedded in the ledges above the water. The cave itself is the draw: dramatic geological formations and the weight of history make the slow float feel substantial without demanding exertion.

Around midday you pull ashore for a sit-down local lunch included in the package, giving you time to rest before the afternoon shift. Then it's a transition into the pine forest and a short walk to Big Rock Falls, where the 150-foot waterfall feeds natural pools deep enough to swim. The water is cold and the setting is quiet. This is not a crowded tourist stop but a private approach via San Miguel CampGrounds, which also means access to maintained restrooms and picnic areas. You'll have time to swim and cool off before the drive back to your hotel by 4:00 PM.

The pace throughout is deliberate. Small-group size keeps the experience intimate, and the guide handles all logistics: equipment, park fees, water, snacks and towels are provided. You bring a swimsuit, sunscreen and a willingness to be in the sun for most of the day. The tour runs in all weather, so dress for rain if the forecast calls for it.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within 10km of San Ignacio.
• professional guide in English.
• all canoe equipment and gear.
• park entrance fees.
• a sit-down local lunch.
• bottled water and snacks.
• towels.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to11h before

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 to 85 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The Cayo Welcome Center. Your driver/guide will have a sign with your name for easy recognition. He will meet you outside of the Cayo Welcome Center's office”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cayo Inland Expeditions

Is this one for you?The seven-hour commitment leaves your morning or evening free, so you can pair this with a separate activity in San Ignacio or rest at your hotel. The unhurried pace suits families and anyone who wants to swim and explore without rushing between stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (3 to 8 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I see inside Barton Creek Cave?

Barton Creek Cave is a massive river cavern containing artifact shards and the remains of ceremonial burials from the Maya Classic periods (200–900 AD). The guide points out these sacred ledges and geological formations as you float past them by canoe. The cave itself is the main attraction, not a quick stop.

How difficult is the canoe paddle through the cave?

The paddle requires minimal physical exertion. You float gently through the cavern rather than paddle hard, so it suits all ages and fitness levels. The guide handles navigation and pacing.

Is Big Rock Falls a crowded tourist spot?

Big Rock Falls is accessed via the private San Miguel CampGrounds, giving you exclusive entry to the site. The natural pools at the base of the 150-foot waterfall are not a crowded destination, and the grounds include maintained restroom facilities and picnic areas.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off (within 10km of San Ignacio), all canoe equipment and gear, park entrance fees, a professional guide, lunch, bottled water, snacks and towels. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and clothes suitable for sun and possible rain.